The huge white structure with the 12 famous yellow struts looms above me as I make my way to interview the man now heading the multi-million pound operation.

David Quarmby was a popular choice for the job. Chairman of the British Tourist Authority, he has four years' experience of promoting this country's attractions to the rest of the world.

He has also been on the board at the Dome for the last three-and-a-half years. Now he is working on a new marketing strategy which he claims will entice visitors to Greenwich out of sheer curiosity.

He said: "The tragedy of the Dome is that it has had such bad press. It is not supposed to be thrilling and glamorous. It is meant to make you stop and think and was only ever intended to last one year.

"One of our new aims is to get people to ignore what the papers are saying and listen to those who have actually been to see it.

"More than 90 per cent of visitors so far have given a positive report of their experience and most could not stop talking about it."

So what will happen to the Dome when the millennium year is over?

Mr Quarmby explained: "It will not just become derelict on January 1 next year. We have lots of plans for the structure and in the next two months we will be announcing what will happen to it."

The shortlist for the future use of the Dome was narrowed down to two on May 16 by Government regeneration agency English Partnerships -- Dome Europe for a £100 million European visitor attraction and a £130 million business community scheme from Legacy Plc.

Backed by Japanese investment bank Nomura, Dome Europe proposes to keep the venue open, adding features including a Space and Time Pavilion celebrating the history of Greenwich, a hawkers' market selling European produce, an adventure playground and an interactive games area.

Meanwhile Legacy's bid, backed by Barclay Capital, is to transform the Dome into a home for knowledge-based businesses. The scheme would contain other facilities such as restaurants and health clubs.

Mr Quarmby, who lives in Blachkeath, said proposals for a sports stadium and concert arena were just not viable.

He added: "They didn't fit the criteria that was set. We have to choose something which will continue to stimulate regeneration and improve employment prospects for local people.

"The well-being of this part of London is at stake and I think either scheme will create a great new environment.

"I believe in this project and wish everyone could see the looks on people's faces as they come out of the Dome. I only have to go out there and sense the excitement to know why I'm doing this job."